Shula and other Francophiles:

Finally got off my posterior to look through my record, book, and song collections to give you an answer with details.

For a terrific and concise collection of French (and other country's) songs I recommend the book:

1000 CHANTS chosen by Jean Edel Berthier published by Presses D'ile-de-France, 12, rue de la Chasse, Paris VIIe, France.

I bought this little book in Paris and enjoyed it so much that I wrote to the publisher and ordered 1000 CHANTS (2). I find that most of the books that contain the most popular traditional music is either in children's books or scouting type books. Here are a couple more:

JEUNESSE QUI CHANT and CHANSONS DU BLE QUI LEVE both put out by Les Editions Ouvrieres, 12, Avenue de la Soeur-Rosalie, Paris 13eme

CHANTER POUR DANSER, a book of fingerplays and playparty dances published by 100 Idees Editions Fleurus, 31, Rue de Fleurus, Paris 6e

In a more comtemporary vein I love Georges Brassens who writes songs such as "Les Amoureux Des Bancx Publics" (with a record of the same name on Philips 6499777) about lovers who sit kissing on public benches ignoring everyone who walks by looking at them. And another called "Brave Margot". When she unbuttons her blouse to give a little "gougoutte" (diminutive for taste) to her cat, all the guys in the village gather round. He has tons of others that are terrific and the music is great too. The Petite Larousse Illustre describes him as "Auteur de chansons poetiques, pleines de verve et de non-conformisme." I bought the book in hardcover (if you knew me, this is the indication of high regard, for I'd rather buy three paperbacks than use the money on a hardcover): BRASSENS published by (?) Editions Musicales 57. Other "popular" singers: Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Georges Moustaki.

My husband and I are very into Breton and Provence music. I also like Parisian button accordian music and Quebequoise (mangled sp?) music. I will give you the name of the group, one record title and the record company. We have more titles if anyone wants. Here's my recommendations:

Breton:
Maluzerne, "Maluzerne" on Le Chant du Monde (a lot of dance music some singing)
Malicorne, "Malicorne" on Disques Hexagone
Tri Yann, "Les filles des forges" on Marzelle
Melusine, "Leve toi et danse!" on Polydor
An Triskell, "Kroaz hent" on Le Chant du Monde

Parisian Accordian:
Marc Perrone, "Marc Perrone" on Polydor

Provence:
Mont-Joia, "Cant e musica de provenca XIIeme - XXeme" on Le Chants du Monde
Lo Jai, " Musiques traditionnelles du limousin", on Revolum
Les Menestriers, "Vive Henri IV" on RCA

Quebec:
La Bottine Souriante, "Y a ben du changement" on Le Tamanoir
Le Reve du Diable, "Le Reve du Diable" on CBS

If I get more time I'll try to add some lyrics to the database.

a bientot
judy